children’s book review | April 30, 2019
Whether you’re looking for a collection of inspirational poems, a sweet picture book with rhymes, or a great novel written in verse…this is the list for you! We’ve included the publisher’s synopsis with each book so you can learn a little about each title.
You are reading: Award winning poetry books for children
If I Was the Sunshine
If I Was the Sunshinewritten by julie fogliano
illustrated by loren long
Publisher Synopsis: A stunning picture book about the relationships we share from new york times best-selling storytellers, julie fogliano and loren, who carry on the tradition of the runaway bunny andguess how much I love you.
If I were the sun and you were the day, I would greet you! and would you call me stay
If you were winter and I were spring I would call you whisper and you would call me singing…
Through witty, thought-provoking verse and warmly evocative art, new york times bestsellers julie fogliano and loren long explore the breathtaking nature of relationships, love, and love. the connection.
order a copy now: indiebound | amazon | barn and noble
from 4 to 8 years old | editorial: atheneum books for young readers | May 7, 2019 | isbn-13: 978-1481472432
Thinker: My Puppy Poet and Me
Thinker: My Puppy Poet and Mewritten by eloise greenfield
illustrated by ehsan abdollahi
Publisher Synopsis: A new collection of children’s poetry from Coretta Scott King Book Award winner, Eloise Greenfield!
Thinker isn’t just your average pup, he’s a poet. he owns it too, jace. Together, they turn the world around them into verse.
there is only one problem: the thinker has to be silent in public and can not go to school with jace. that is, until Pet Day. But when the Thinker is finally allowed into the classroom, he finds it hard to keep his true identity a secret.
order a copy now: indiebound | amazon | barn and noble
from 4 to 8 years old | publisher: jabberwocky reference books | April 2, 2019 | isbn-13: 978-1492677246
The Stuff of Stars
The Stuff of Starswritten by marion dane bauer
illustrated by ekua holmes
Publisher Synopsis: Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award Winner 2019!
In a stunning display of our universe, Newbery Prize winner Marion Dane Bauer and Caldecott Prize winner Ekua Holmes celebrate the birth of each child.
See Also: Barbara Ross – Book Series In Order
Before the universe was formed, before time and space existed, there was . . . any. but then . . . pop! the stars caught fire and burned so long that they exploded, spewing stardust everywhere. and the ash of those stars became planets. in our land. and within us. In a poetic text, Marion Dane Bauer takes readers from the trillionth of a second when our universe was born to the singularities that became each of us, while Ekua Holmes’s vivid illustrations capture the void before the Big Bang and the subsequent life that burst through the galaxies. A perfect blend of science and art, this illustrated book reveals the makeup of our world and beyond, and how we are all the stuff of stars.
order a copy now: indiebound | amazon | barn and noble
from 4 to 8 years old | publisher: candle wick | September 4, 2018 | isbn-13: 978-0763678838
Fly With Me: A Celebration of Birds through Pictures, Poems, and Stories
Fly With Me: A Celebration of Birds through Pictures, Poems, and Storieswritten by jane yolen and heidi stemle
Publisher’s synopsis: Enchanting stories, lyrical poems, stunning photography and fascinating science fill the pages of this treasure trove that celebrates the amazing world of birds.
This thoughtful and beautifully curated collection of our flying and feathered friends highlights the role birds play in human life from centuries ago to the present day. While it’s beautiful, it’s also full of valuable real science about these wonderful creatures. from history and behavior to observation and photography, there is sure to be something for every bird fanatic in his flock. young bird watchers will learn all about migration and the importance of habitat conservation. You’ll find stories about bird rescues and fun facts about the fastest, strongest and smallest fliers. They’ll also discover the best bird nests, sweet songs to sing, ways to hear and identify the birds around them, and more. Combined with amazing art, photography, and beautiful design, this treasure is sure to become a classic for bird enthusiasts of all ages.
Fly With Me was created to help celebrate the Year of the Bird, National Geographic’s 2018 initiative to raise awareness of the plight of birds around the world.
order a copy now: indiebound | amazon | barn and noble
from 4 to 8 years old | Publisher: National Geographic Children’s Books | October 16, 2018 | isbn-13: 978-1426331817
H Is For Haiku: A Treasury of Haiku from A to Z
H Is For Haiku: A Treasury of Haiku from A to Zwritten by sydell rosenberg
illustrated by sawsan chalabi
Publisher synopsis: in h is for haiku: a treasure trove of haiku from a to z, the late poet sydell rosenberg, founding member of the american society of Haiku and New York City public school teacher and illustrator Sawsan Chalabi offer an A-Z compendium of haiku that brings out the fun and poetry in everyday moments.
order a copy now: indiebound | amazon | barn and noble
from 5 to 11 years old | Publisher: Penny Candy Books | April 10, 2018 | isbn-13: 978-0998799971
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood: The Poetry of Mister Rogers
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood: The Poetry of Mister Rogerswritten by fred rogers
illustrated by luke flores
Publisher’s Synopsis: For the first time ever, 75 beloved songs from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood and Kids’ Corner are collected in this Charming illustrated treasure, sure to be appreciated by generations of children, as well as the millions of adults who grew up with Mr. Rogers. It’s you I like. It’s not the things you wear, It’s not the way you comb your hair— But it’s you. what I like .
From funny to sweet, from silly to heartfelt, Mr. Rogers’ lyrics explore such universal themes as feelings, new siblings, everyday life, imagination and more. Through these songs, along with endearing puppetry and honest conversations, Mr. Rogers instilled in his young viewers the values of kindness, self-awareness, and self-esteem. but above all, he taught children that they are loved, just the way they are. Perfect for bedtime, singing, or quiet time alone, this beautiful book of meaningful poetry is for all children, including the child in all of us.
order a copy now: indiebound | amazon | barn and noble
from 6 to 8 years old | editorial: peculiar books | March 19, 2018 | isbn-13: 978-1683691136
Poetry for Kids: William Shakespeare
Poetry for Kids: William Shakespearewritten by william shakespeare
See Also: 18 of the best books written by women in 2018 | Mashable
edited by marguerite tassi
illustrated by merce lopez
editor’s synopsis: love! treason! ambition! tragedy! jealousy! William Shakespeare’s universal themes continue to resonate with readers of all ages more than 400 years after his death.
This wonderful, fully illustrated book introduces children to the bard and over thirty of his most famous and accessible verses, sonnets, and speeches. of “should I compare you to a summer day?” to “oh, she teaches torches to shine brightly!” and “all the world is a stage”, the words and poetry of the greatest playwright and poet come to life on the page.
the next generation of readers, poets and actors will be fascinated by these works of shakespeare. Each poem is illustrated and includes an expert explanation and definitions of important words to provide children and parents with the most comprehensive explanation of its content and impact.
order a copy now: indiebound | amazon | barn and noble
from 8 to 12 years old | publisher: moondance press | April 3, 2018 | isbn-13: 978-1633225046
The Poetry of Us: More than 200 poems that celebrate the people, places, and passions of the United States
The Poetry of Us: More than 200 poems that celebrate the people, places, and passions of the United Statesedited by j. patrick lewis
Publisher’s synopsis: It’s about us! Join Former American Children’s Poet Laureate J. patrick lewis on a lyrical journey across the united states to experience the wonders of america’s people and places through more than 200 inspiring poems and stunning photographs.
Celebrate America’s gift of language and vibrant culture with this never-before-published collection of classic poetry. Poems are arranged by region, coast to coast, and among them you’ll find works by Langston Hughes, Dorothy Parker, Robert Frost, Naomi Shihab Nye, Walt Whitman, and more. From the familiar to the surprising, themes include people, places, landmarks, monuments, nature, and celebrations. Designed for sharing, but aimed at younger readers, this beautifully illustrated treasure trove is a must-have for the whole family.
order a copy now: indiebound | amazon | barn and noble
from 8 to 12 years old | Publisher: National Geographic Children’s Books | September 25, 2018 | isbn-13: 978-1426331855
The Moon Within
The Moon Withinwritten by aida salazar
Editor’s synopsis: Celi Rivera’s life is swirling with questions. over her changing body. her first attraction to a boy. and her best friend’s exploration of what it means to be gender fluid.
but above all, her mother’s insistence that she have a moon ceremony when her first period arrives. It is an ancestral Mexica ritual that Mima and her community have recovered, but Celi promises that she will not participate. Will she be able to find the power within herself to stand up for who she wants to be?
A dazzling story told with the sensitivity, humor and brilliant verses of debutant talent Aida Salazar.
order a copy now: indiebound | amazon | barn and noble
from 8 to 12 years old | Publisher: Arthur A. levine books | February 26, 2019 | isbn-13: 978-1338283372
This Promise of Change: One Girl’s Story In the Fight for School Equality
This Promise of Change: One Girl’s Story In the Fight for School Equalitywritten by jo ann allen boyce and debbie levy
Publisher’s synopsis: In 1956, a year before federal troops escorted Little Rock 9 to Central High School, fourteen-year-old Jo Ann Allen was one of twelve students African Americans who broke the color barrier. she and she attended clinton high school in tennessee. At first things went well for the Clinton 12, but then outside agitators interfered, pitting the townspeople against each other. Uneasiness turned to anger, and even the Clinton Twelve themselves wondered if it would be easier to go back to their old school. Insightful, practical, easygoing, and popular with black and white students, Jo Ann found herself called as the group’s spokesperson. but what about being a normal teenager? This is the heartbreaking and relatable story of her four months in the national spotlight and as a trailblazer in history. based on original research and interviews, and featuring archival background material and authors’ notes on the co-writing process.
order a copy now: indiebound | amazon | barn and noble
from 10 to 12 years old | Publisher: Bloomsbury Children’s Books | January 8, 2019 | isbn-13: 978-1681198521
The article 10 Outstanding Poetry Books for Children was curated by Bianca Schulze. For similar books and items, follow our content tagged with National Poetry Month and Children’s Poetry Books.
See Also: A review of the best baseball books from the year 2016 – Sports Collectors Digest